Kajang, 14 June 2016 – The New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) successfully organized the fourth edition of the ASEAN Automobile Safety Forum (AASF) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from 30–31 May 2016. The event was jointly organized with Faculty of Transportation Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT). It was held at two separate locations with the first day at Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel and the following day was at HCMUT.

Similar with the previous AASFs, ASEAN NCAP took the opportunity from the forum to touch base with the local media. As such, a media coaching session was organized on the first day of AASF for the local Vietnamese media with the objective to promote ASEAN NCAP rating to Vietnamese vehicle consumers and the public at large. The invitation to ASEAN NCAP media coaching session was also extended to local vehicle operators and manufacturers. In order to have a meaningful impact towards ASEAN NCAP safety rating, the existing results were translated and published in Vietnamese Language, in addition to the English version. The main purpose of publishing the compilation book in Vietnamese is for promoting and sharing the results of all models tested by ASEAN NCAP since it was first established. The book will be a valuable reference to the local media and forum participants in sharing the information to the public, particularly vehicle consumers so that they will be able to make an informed-decision when purchasing a vehicle. Overall, the media coaching session received positive response from the Vietnamese with a number of representatives from the local media, vehicle manufacturers and transport operators attended the session.

The AASF’s forum presentation was subsequently held on the following day at HCMUT. The forum was opened by Prof. Dr. Wong Shaw Voon, Director General of Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) and Chairman of ASEAN NCAP. The Vice Rector of HCMUT, Assoc. Prof. Tran Thien Phuc also gave a welcoming remark to the participants.

With the theme ‘Improving Safety Beyond Rating’, the forum is a platform for presenters and participants to share the latest development in vehicle safety. As such, the forum’s presentations, both by local Vietnamese and others, comprised topics that focus on technological development that are targeted to improve the level of safety performance in vehicles. Furthermore, as the forum consisted of two language sessions – Vietnamese and English – this AASF had the privilege of receiving the involvement of local experts and authorities related to road safety in Vietnam such as Transport Development and Strategy Institute from the Ministry of Transport, Vietnam Register, and Department of Transport, Ho Chi Minh City.

ASEAN NCAP also acknowledged the contribution of its media partner in Malaysia. A certificate of appreciation was presented to Mr. Yamin Vong of Cars, Bikes & Trucks for his contribution in ‘Strategic Communications to Improve Road Safety’. This is a form of appreciation to Mr. Yamin for his contribution in promoting road and vehicle safety.

Following the new ASEAN NCAP single rating system that will be implemented in 2017, participants at AASF 2016/004 witnessed the pre-release of 2017–2020 assessment protocols by ASEAN NCAP, strictly for the industry. The pre-released of the new assessment protocols at AASF is a privilege to the industry before the final release to the public this coming November.

During the forum, ASEAN NCAP also released the latest crash test results with seven car models receiving star rating ranging from 0 to 5 stars. The highlight of the result announcement is the results of two 0-Star cars; Kia Morning and Hyundai EON. The tested variant for Kia Morning was from the Indonesian market whilst Hyundai EON, the left-hand-drive variant, was from the Philippines. Both of these variants were without airbags and received 0-Star rating for the Adult Occupant Protection category; the Kia Morning scored 1.48 points and Hyundai EON 0.00 point (an absolute zero-star car). For Child Occupant Protection assessment, both of the models achieved 1-Star rating at 27% compliance. The following table shows the summary of the released results.

Make & Model	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Nissan X-Trail	5-Star (15.10 points)	4-Star (72%)
Nissan Navara	4-Star (12.34 points)	2-Star (37%)
Suzuki Ertiga	4-Star (12.39 points)	2-Star (33%)
Suzuki Ciaz	4-Star (14.56 points)	2-Star (37%)
Isuzu MU-X*	4-Star (11.87 points)	4-Star (73%)
Kia Morning	0-Star (1.48 points)	1-Star (27%)
Hyundai EON	0-Star (0.00 point)	1-Star (27%)

*Extended rating from Isuzu D-MAX.

As the saying goes, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”, ASEAN NCAP had pre-arranged a friendly football match at the end of the forum. The match was between ASEAN NCAP All Stars and HCMUT Dream Team. The match was equally fascinating and entertaining with both teams scoring 1–1 before the second half. Unfortunately, due to own goal, HCMUT Dream Team managed to grab a 2–1 victory over ASEAN NCAP All Stars.

ASEAN NCAP is grateful for the warm hospitality by the staff and students of HCMUT throughout the preparation and the AASF forum itself. We look forward to more participation in the upcoming AASF that will be held in Cambodia soon.